FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 10, 2025
Contact:
Office of the Mayor
608-270-4213
Mayor Julia Arata-Fratta Announces 2025 Mayoral Award Recipients
FITCHBURG, WI – November 10, 2025 – Mayor Julia Arata-Fratta will honor and recognize community member Janice Hughes, Fitchburg staff member Deputy Chief Chad Grossen, Fitchburg businesses Quivey’s Grove and Kellymoss Inc., and nonprofit organization Rooted with the 2025 Mayoral Award at the Common Council meeting on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.
Mayor Arata-Fratta is recognizing these recipients for their community leadership, inspiring service, exemplary contributions, and significant impact on Fitchburg.
2025 Mayoral Award Recipients
Rooted – Nonprofit Award
Rooted is a community-based organization dedicated to building a more just and resilient food system through food access, land access, and urban agriculture education. Serving Fitchburg and the south side of Madison, Rooted connects people of all ages and cultures to one another and to the land. Their programs engage youth in gardening, culinary arts, and food justice education, while their community gardens, farmstands, food pantry, and monthly CommUNITY Dinners foster relationships, strengthen resilience, and expand equitable access to fresh food.
Janice Hughes – Resident Award
A Fitchburg resident of 28 years, Janice Hughes is a retired HR professional, small business owner, and community advocate. She has championed growth, inclusiveness, and lifelong learning, including creating the Lunch & Learn program at the Fitchburg Senior Center. Janice has contributed to The Links, Incorporated, United Way, the Black Chamber of Commerce, and serves on the Community Equity Advisory Committee and the Fitchburg Housing Plan Steering Committee. Her leadership reflects a commitment to civic engagement and empowering others.
“From the moment I met Janice, I knew she was a true agent of change. Her leadership, passion for service, and unwavering commitment to inclusion have strengthened our city and inspired all of us to think differently, expect more, and strive for better.” – Mayor Julia Arata-Fratta said.
Quivey’s Grove – Business Award
Celebrating its 45th anniversary this year, Quivey’s Grove is one of Fitchburg’s most cherished landmarks. From its historic beginnings in the 1850s to its opening as a restaurant in 1980, Quivey’s Grove has served as a gathering place, community anchor, and symbol of Fitchburg’s heritage. Under the leadership of Craig Kuenning and Deirdre Garton, the restaurant continues to foster civic pride and connect generations of families and neighbors.
Kellymoss Inc. – Business Award
Founded in 1988 and now led by Victoria Thomas and Andy Kilcoyne, Kellymoss Inc. is a national leader in Porsche racing, restoration, and high-performance engineering. Known for innovation, excellence, and empowering women in motorsports through programs like Be Your Own Hero, Kellymoss demonstrates how a Fitchburg business can achieve international recognition while remaining deeply rooted in the community.
“In Fitchburg, Kellymoss stands as a true beacon of innovation, precision engineering, and high-performance excellence. Their success brings international recognition to our community and represents the forward-thinking business we strive to attract and support.” – Mayor Julia Arata-Fratta said.
Deputy Chief Chad Grossen – Staff Award
Deputy Chief (DC) Chad Grossen is being honored with a 2025 Mayoral Award for his exceptional leadership, dedication, and over 30 years of faithful service to the City of Fitchburg. Throughout his career, DC Grossen has embodied true servant leadership—rising through every rank in the Fire Department, from Fire Intern to Deputy Chief, and twice stepping in as Interim Fire Chief. He leads by example, demonstrating daily that no task is beneath him, whether advocating for his department in executive meetings or rolling up his sleeves to handle day-to-day duties at the firehouse. His humility, accountability, and tireless commitment to teamwork have set a lasting standard for excellence within the department. DC Grossen’s innovative leadership—most notably his creation of the Battalion Chief position to strengthen daily operations—has ensured the department’s continued success in serving a growing community. His legacy of service, integrity, and forward-thinking leadership continues to inspire those who work beside him and those who call Fitchburg home.
“Deputy Chief Grossen exemplifies what it means to serve with integrity, humility, and dedication. His leadership has strengthened not only the Fitchburg Fire Department but our entire community. It’s an honor to recognize his more than 30 years of service and his unwavering commitment to the people of Fitchburg.” – Mayor Julia Arata-Fratta said.
The Mayoral Awards began in 2019 to recognize residents, businesses, and staff who make Fitchburg a great place to live, work, and recreate. The Mayoral Awards are an opportunity to celebrate some of the many great people in Fitchburg and bring the community together every year. The 2025 Mayoral Awards celebrate individuals, businesses, and organizations that exemplify Fitchburg’s values and make a lasting positive impact on the community.
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